Xtalks Life Science Podcast

In this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with prominent cystic fibrosis and rare disease patient leader Gunnar Esiason to learn more about his advocacy work, including his work in clinical trials and developing patient-facing technologies. Gunnar has consulted on clinical trial development, a real-world evidence population health study and a cystic fibrosis-specific mental health and w...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Elon Musk’s recent revelation that in addition to fasting, he also used Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy to help him get “lean and fit.” In response to a question on Twitter, Musk disclosed that both fasting and Wegovy were his secrets to his recent weight loss. Musk is not affiliated with Novo so his endorsement of the drug came as a surprise, and is also p...

In this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Caroline Hamilton, Clinical Director of Neuromod Devices, a medical technology company that specializes in the design and development of neuromodulation technologies. The company is committed to addressing the clinical needs of underserved patient populations who live with chronic and debilitating conditions globally. Caroline spoke to Xtal...

In this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Pierre Bertrand, CEO of vision care biotech Neurolens, developer of innovative new technology to address digital vision syndrome. The syndrome is caused by extended computer or digital device use that can result in eyestrain as well as neck and shoulder pain. Hear more about the company’s Neurolenses, which are designed to alleviate and eve...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of bluebird bio’s Skysona for slowing the progression of neurologic dysfunction associated with the rare neurological disorder cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) in boys four to 17 years of age with early, active CALD. The one-time administered gene therapy has also taken the title of being the world’s most expensive drug at $3 million. Hear mor...

In this episode, Ayesha shared new research about how scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London have found a mechanism of action to explain how air pollution may cause lung cancer in non-smokers. The research findings revealed that people who live in polluted areas have a higher risk of lung cancer, and that particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) can...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Sanofi’s enzyme replacement therapy Xenpozyme for the treatment of non-central nervous system (non-CNS) manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD), a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease, in adults and pediatric patients. The drug is administered intravenously every two weeks and in clinical trials, demonstrated significant imp...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Fitbit’s new lineup of smartwatches that is set to release this fall, including the Sense 2 which has a sensor for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Fitbit said the Sense 2 is its most advanced health-focused smartwatch to date. The device has a sensor that can identify signs of AFib through the company’s electrocardiogram (ECG) app and photoplethysmogr...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Axsome Therapeutics’ rapid-acting oral treatment Auvelity for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The approval makes Auvelity the first and only rapid-acting oral medication for depression, and the first and only oral NMDA receptor antagonist approved for MDD. Hear more about the approval, including clinical trial data showing the...

This episode features an interview with Dr. Asaf Zviran, CEO and co-founder of C2i Genomics, a biotech company focused on improving cancer detection and monitoring using genomics- and AI-based approaches. Hear about the company’s proprietary cancer surveillance technology, how Dr. Zviran’s founded C2i Genomics, including a personal story, and how the company is focused on truly personalizing cance...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the UK’s approval of Moderna’s next generation COVID-19 vaccine that targets both the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variant of concern. Hear more about the bivalent booster shot, including clinical trial data that led to its approval. Also, hear what Moderna officials have to say about the administration schedule of the new shot. Ayesha also talked...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new COVID-19 test technology that Innova Medical Group, world leader in at-home COVID-19 tests, has reached a licensing deal for with the University of Birmingham where the technology was developed. The new test is as sensitive and accurate as PCR tests and faster than lateral flow (rapid antigen) tests. Hear about the innovative new technology underlying the mo...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Azurity Pharmaceutical’s Zonisade (zonisamide oral suspension) as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of seizures in adults and pediatric patients 16 years of age and older with epilepsy. The drug is the first FDA approved oral suspension form of zonisamide. Hear about how the drug could help increase accessibility and flexibility for epilepsy...

In this episode, the editorial team spoke with the President and CEO of regenerative medicine biotech Sernova Corp Dr. Philip Toleikis to learn more about how the company is developing a ‘functional cure’ for diabetes. The team heard from Dr. Toleikis about Sernova’s proprietary Cell Pouch System that is designed to house therapeutic cells. Dr. Toleikis spoke about the latest clinical trial data f...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA authorization of Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, making it the fourth authorized/approved COVID vaccine in the US. It is also the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized in the country. While the vaccine offers an alternate option to people who may still be hesitant about mRNA vaccines, hear why some experts think it won’t have much of an impact...

In this episode, Ayesha talked about a safety warning issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Secura Bio’s Copiktra (duvelisib), which is a drug used to treat adults with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL). The FDA flagged the drug after evaluating long-term survival data, which showed that the drug was associated with a h...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new collaboration between leading medical technology company Becton Dickinson (BD) and CerTest Biotec who will work together to develop a molecular diagnostic test for the detection of the monkeypox virus. Learn about how BD will leverage its BD MAX platform to develop and validate CerTest’s under development monkeypox test amid an anticipated growing demand for...

In this episode, Ayesha and the team talked about the FDA approval of Eli Lilly’s JAK inhibitor Olumiant for the treatment of alopecia areata, also commonly just known as alopecia. The drug has become the first approved systemic treatment for the autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss. Hear about how alopecia has received mainstream recognition because of a recent infamous Hollywood inci...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed new data shared by Eli Lilly for its weight loss injection tirzepatide. The drug was recently approved (under the brand name Mounjaro) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist also has weight loss effects and recent analyses presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 82nd Scientifi...

This episode features an interview with Georgia Institute of Technology researcher Dr. Woon-Hong Yeo who has helped lead a team of researchers to develop a novel vascular monitoring system based on a specially designed smart stent. Hear about how the implantable smart stent system offers real-time and continuous monitoring of metrics like blood pressure and blood flow, as well as Dr. Yeo’s persona...

In this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Dr. Samantha Dale Strasser, chief scientific officer and co-founder of biotech start-up Pepper Bio. The company is working to develop therapeutics in the areas of oncology, neurodegenerative disease and inflammatory conditions using a ‘transomics’ drug discovery approach. This involves the integrated analysis of several layers of biological...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Eli Lilly’s diabetes injection Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes This is a great advancement in the diabetes space as Mounjaro is a first-in-class medicine that targets the activity of two hormones involved in hunger and blood sugar control (GLP-1 and GIP). With the approval, Eli Lilly will be giving Novo N...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new study that evaluated a text messaging program designed to improve medication adherence and lifestyle factors among heart attack survivors. While the program did not lead to improvements in medication adherence, it did have a positive impact on lifestyle factors like diet. Hear more about the study and the importance of managing heart attack risk factors like...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Bristol Myers Squibb’s new heart drug Camzyos (mavacamten), which has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The drug is the first to target the pathophysiology of obstructive HCM and may be Bristol Myers’ next blockbuster cardiac drug. Hear more about the com...

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Mycovia Pharmaceuticals’ Vivjoa (oteseconazole) as the first approved treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) or chronic yeast infection. The drug is indicated for women who permanently lack reproductive potential or are postmenopausal. The editorial team discussed the significant unmet need for this condition and how although m...